Subject: IWG Inquirer Kmiec Letter
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996 23:06:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: Chris Purdom
The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 2 congregations, 4 religious
organizations and 24 clergy from 10 faiths and denominations. If you are in
the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious
organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths
are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in
other areas. Visit the web page at http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ or
http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/religion/orgs/iwg/
June 3, 1996
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PO Box 8263
Phila., PA 19101
Dear Editors:
Douglas W. Kmiec's opinion piece ("Gay rights ruling
confuses affirmation with tolerance") had more
inaccurate statements than actual facts. The words
"sexual orientation" are not "code words for
homosexuality;" the phrase is well understood to mean
heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality,
covering all people equally. Gay-rights activists do
not argue that "homosexuality is merely an alternative
form of sexual expression;" the use of the phrase
"alternative" was invented by, is only used by, and
where possible is enforced by, those who refuse to
recognize the moral equality of same-sex relationships.
Homosexuality does not stand in antithesis to marriage
relationships; if it did, same-sex couples would not
be seeking the legal right to marry. Kmiec implies
that same-sex relationships are inherently unstable,
but the current illegality of such marriages
contributes greatly to potential instability. Many
same-sex couples have triumphed over legal obstacles
which opposite sex couples never even have to consider
in order to have stable, long-term monogamous
relationships.
We assume that Kmiec uses the phrase "homosexual
conduct" to refer to acts covered by "sodomy" laws,
which have been dropped in the majority of the states,
and which apply equally to both gay and straight
couples where they still do exist (even if they are not
equally--if ever--enforced). The concept of sexual
orientation is relatively new, as is any "religious
instruction that treats homosexual orientation as
inextricably related" to "homosexual conduct." Kmiec
fails to note that there is also "significant religious
instruction" which teaches that consensual acts between
adults of the same gender are not "morally wrong and
socially harmful," and that religious support for
sexual minorities is growing every day.
Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators